By Jake Donovan
Esquiva Falcao continues to enjoy a seamless transition into the pro ranks, following an incredible amateur career highlighted by his run as a Silver medalist for Brazil in the 2012 London Olympics.
The 24-year old turned pro earlier this year, and has since racked up five wins. The latest came in a 2nd round stoppage of Austin Marcum earlier this month in Orlando, Florida. His win earned airtime on UniMas’ Solo Boxeo Tecate boxing series, with all five of his fights to date airing either on UniMas or courtesy of promoter Top Rank’s live streaming service.
One more ring appearance is planned before closing out his first year in the pro ranks. Top Rank plans to bring him back on December 6 at a yet-to-be-determined venue in Southern California.
“It’s been a great first year so far; five fights, five wins and three by knockout,” Falcao told BoxingScene.com – through translator and manager Sergio Batarelli – in the moments following his knockout win over Marcum. “I’m going to fight again in California. God willing, I will have six wins and four knockouts after the fight to end the year.”
Since moving to the pro ranks, Falcao has placed more emphasis on his finishing skills, not wanting to leave anything to chance. It was a lesson he learned the hard way, coming up short in a controversial loss to Japan’s Ryota Murata in the 2012 Olympic middleweight finals in London.
It was his second loss to Murata in as many years, coming up short in the 2011 World Amateur championships. The repeat defeat was still good enough to make history, becoming the first ever boxer from Brazil to capture an Olympic silver medal. His run in the Olympics took place at 165 lb., the same weight at which he made his pro debut this past February.
He’s since dropped in weight with each passing fight, weighing a career low 158¼ lb. on Saturday. As he transitions from prospect to contender, chances are he will be even lighter.
“I feel a lot stronger as I move down towards (154 lb.),” Falcao reveals. “When I fight at middleweight and heavier, I notice the difference. The opponents are taller and heavier, and it doesn’t feel natural to me fighting at that weight. I feel more comfortable fighting at 154; I hope to fight there for my first world title.”
A title shot is very well inevitable, but not in his immediate future. The December 6 showcase will most likely mark his last scheduled six-round affair, as his team steps up the pace in 2015.
“I would like to move to eight-round fights after this,” Falcao states. “I will try to win every fight by knockout, no matter how many rounds it’s scheduled for. The plan is to fight and win six times in 2015, and get a world ranking at 154 by the end of next year.”
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
